DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, more specialized knowledge is required for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need construction and machinery experience as well.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can work for smaller projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding a flower bed. However, you should hire a professional landscaping company if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape designers and architects can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help you develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an East Hartford Landscaping Company
Hiring the right landscaping company involves finding one with good experience that also fits your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.
Services Offered
Consider your lawn's needs when choosing a landscaping provider. Some providers offer lawn care services—including mowing, fertilizing, mulching, controlling weeds, and pruning—to improve yard health and maintenance. These companies often also offer pest control and tree clearing services.
You'll want a full-service landscaping company if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, including landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. They can also help install fire pits, sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Your landscaper should have the appropriate licenses from the East Hartford city government. Contractors often also have advanced training and certification in areas such as lawn maintenance, horticulture, and outdoor design. Your provider might employ the following certified staff members:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. We recommend checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Read positive and negative reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of poor project results, unreliable customer service, or delayed projects.
Work Portfolio
Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share completed projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping designs and projects. They may also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get a better idea of how it will look.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices might include water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options, and they're an important consideration when choosing a landscaper. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Ask your landscaper about sustainability practices for your project, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, water consumption, and waste.
Cost
Homeowners should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about pricing and services. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.
Landscaping Costs in East Hartford
Landscaping typically costs $28–$42 per hour in East Hartford, depending on project type and size. Simple tasks like gardening or mowing will cost less than major yard work, such as resodding. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a bigger yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $13,018 - $17,357 |
Landscaping Design | $2,107 - $2,810 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $425 - $2,549 |
Landscaping Mulch | $25 - $127 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,699 |
Planting Trees | $223 - $371 |
Sodding | $42 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,290 - $84,974 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in East Hartford
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaper?
What are some benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How should I negotiate a price with a landscaping company?
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